Dun Fhinn, Islay

excavation, woodland exploitation and building an Iron Age chronology for Argyll

Roddy Regan (Author)

Darko Maričević (Author)

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8647-6250

Catherine Barnett (Author)

Steven Mithen (Author)

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3391-7443

Keyword(s):
Duns, Chronology, Woodland
Location(s):
Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK
Period(s):
Iron Age

Abstract


Duns are a problematic class of monuments for Argyll. They encompass an ill-defined and diverse range of structures, with limited evidence for their chronology and functions within late prehistoric and early historic society, settlement and economy. The Isle of Islay has a notably high concentration of duns, especially in its south-east region. We describe a small-scale excavation at one of these, Dun Fhinn, designed to establish the date of its construction and that of a circular internal structure, the latter proposed by the RCAHMS as a later addition. These are shown to have functioned at the same time in the later half of the 1st millennium bc, the roundhouse likely being an integral part of the original construction. Finds were limited to a few utilised stones, fragments of burnt clay and the rim of a wooden bowl, while the charcoal assemblage provides insights into the surrounding landscape and its exploitation for fuel. We consider the significance of Dun Fhinn for development of an Iron Age chronology for Argyll.

Canmore ID 38091

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Published
30-11-2022
How to Cite
Regan, R., Maričević, D., Barnett, C., & Mithen, S. (2022). Dun Fhinn, Islay. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 151, 75-102. https://doi.org/10.9750/PSAS.151.1329
Section
Articles

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 > >>